Alternative investment industry consultant Albourne Partners has transitioned to an employee ownership trust (EOT)
Founded in 1994, Albourne has more than 600 employees across 11 worldwide locations. The firm is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and several overseas regulators, resulting in the transaction requiring change of control approvals in multiple jurisdictions.
The move to an EOT will see the firm become majority employee-owned via a trust structure for the benefit of all employees. This is to protect its culture and ability to be a multi-generational independent business. It also reinforced its commitment to long-term independence, employee empowerment and alignment with its clients.
European law firm Fieldfisher helped with structuring the transaction by proposing the EOT model as a way to preserve the long-term independence of the business. The team provided end-to-end legal, tax and regulatory support, overseeing the process through various cross-border complexities.
Fieldfisher’s employee ownership solutions team, which included partner Mark Gearing, senior associate Jessica Kilkelly, and director Tom Martin, led the transaction. Regulatory support was provided by partner Simon Lafferty, director and barrister Sam Clyndes, solicitor Andrea Carrera, and senior associate Asfand Gulzar.
John Claisse, chief executive officer at Albourne, said: “We see the EOT as an important milestone on our ‘Road Less Traveled’: it enshrines our values and our commitment to the non-discretionary path. Albourne has long championed employee ownership through direct share ownership and its internal share market.”
Gearing added: “We are proud to have supported Albourne on this landmark transaction. The EOT structure aligns perfectly with the firm’s values and long-term vision, and we’re pleased to have helped deliver a new form of ownership structure that supports Albourne’s continued success.”
